Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.
The core gameplay revolves around a Sekiro-inspired deflection-focused combat system. Players must precisely time their parries to execute perfect deflections, denying all damage from enemy attacks. Failing to parry correctly only causes "internal" damage that can be slowly recovered.
As the protagonist progresses, they unlock a variety of new skills and tools to supplement the core parry system. These include charged attacks, aerial maneuvers, and powerful Taoist talismans that can stun or reposition foes. The game's "Jade" system allows for further customization, enabling players to equip different charms that modify the protagonist's stats, abilities, and overall playstyle.
The boss battles stand out as some of the game's strongest elements, with reviewers describing them as "epic", "extremely satisfying", and on par with the best boss fights in Sekiro. Each encounter presents a unique set of attack patterns that players must learn to overcome through patient observation and precision timing.
Recognizing the demanding nature of the combat, the developers have implemented a "Story Mode" option that allows players to adjust the difficulty to their liking. This includes the ability to modify damage values, making the experience more accessible for those who wish to prioritize the narrative over the hardcore challenge.